NBA stars Zach Randolph, Josh Childress and Al Harrington buy into SE Melbourne Phoenix
The NBL’s newest kid on the block clearly wants to start with a bang with a trio of NBA stars getting on board with the South East Melbourne Phoenix.
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Los Angeles-based South East Melbourne Phoenix owner Romie Chaudhari has sold an undisclosed stake in the NBL expansion team to NBA stars Zach Randolph, Josh Childress and Al Harrington.
The trio, which boasts about 1800 NBA appearances, will take a hands-on approach to ownership, likely to spend a lot of time in Melbourne, helping to boost the NBL’s ninth franchise’s profile.
It remains unclear whether Childress, who is currently playing professionally in Japan and previously partnered with Phoenix marquee and NBA hopeful Mitch Creek at Adelaide 36ers, could fill an import slot.
Phoenix principle owner Chaudhari will today officially confirm the transaction.
“I have worked with them all in various capacities in the past, and they all have the type of qualities I would want in partners for this venture,” Chaudhari, a co-owner of English Premier League club Swansea City, said in a statement.
Chaudhari also owns a stake in the New Zealand Breakers, among others, including former NBA players Matt Walsh and Shawn Marion.
Randolph and Harrington both spent 18 seasons in the NBA, while Childress played in the world’s best league for eight seasons.
The playmaker is no stranger to Australian basketball following stints at Sydney Kings and the 36ers.
“Having spent three seasons playing in the NBL, I’ve seen the strides the league has made and I felt compelled to be a part of that growth,” Childress said.
“I believe there’s a tremendous opportunity for the South East Melbourne Phoenix to compete at a high level in this league and I look forward to supporting the team this season and beyond alongside Romie, Al and Zach.”
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